Working in Singapore
Applications for a foreign national to work in Singapore are evaluated by the Ministry of Manpower. They are judged against several criteria, including whether the job role applied for is included on the Strategic Skills List of shortage occupations.
Physiotherapy currently appears on the List, therefore applications on behalf of overseas-trained physiotherapists will be considered favourably.
All physiotherapists working in Singapore are classed as allied health professionals, regardless of the location or sector of practice. Physiotherapists working in non-medical establishments such as spas or wellness centres are subject to the same work permit conditions as physiotherapists practising in the health services.
Working Conditions
Standard working week in Singapore is 44 hours and the average working week for a physiotherapist is 40 hours.
May require to work during Saturday every 2 to 4 weeks.
Usually starts from 8:30 am and finishes at 5:30 pm with one hour lunch break.
Leave and Holidays
Annual leave: 21 days
Sick/ hospitalization leave: 14 days up to 60 days
Marriage leave: 3 days
Salary
1 Euro = 1.74 Singapore Dollar
According to the Ministry of Manpower, the monthly median basic wage for a physiotherapist in Singapore in 2013 was S$2933 / €1687.42.
Starting salaries for physiotherapists usually range between €1620 and €1780, depending on your class of honors achieved for your degree.
Work Permits
Once you are registered, you will need a work permit before you can start to work.
You MUST have a confirmed job offer from a Singapore employer in order to qualify for a work permit.
Your future employer then arranges the work permit for you once you have accepted a post.
You must apply for a new pass (and pay an additional fee) if you change employers.
Foreign national allied health professionals are categorized as “skilled foreign manpower” and are eligible for either:
Employment Pass (EP)
The EP is for high level foreign professionals and executives who:
· Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3000
· Have a recognized degree, professional qualification or specialist skills
Information on the EP can be found here.
S-Pass
The S-Pass is for mid-level skilled foreign workers who:
S-pass applicants are assessed on a points system, taking into account multiple criteria including salary, educational qualifications, skills, job type and work experience.
Information on the S-Pass can be found here
Visas
Visa requirements are outlined on the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website
Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Singapore as a visitor or on a work pass.
Arrangements for other nationals may be different.
Languages
The Singapore government recognises four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese and Tamil.
Although Malay is the national language, English is the common language used for business, government and medium of instruction in schools.
With the majority of the literate population bilingual, English and Mandarin are the most commonly used languages in daily life.
Among the elderly population, Mandarin and other Chinese dialects (Hokkien, Hakka, Cantonese, Teochew etc…) are more frequently spoken than English.
Acupuncture and Dry Needling
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an integral part of Singapore health care, and TCM practitioners have been regulated since 2000.
Acupuncture as a clinical intervention is included within TCM, BUT not within physiotherapy!!!
Physiotherapy currently appears on the List, therefore applications on behalf of overseas-trained physiotherapists will be considered favourably.
All physiotherapists working in Singapore are classed as allied health professionals, regardless of the location or sector of practice. Physiotherapists working in non-medical establishments such as spas or wellness centres are subject to the same work permit conditions as physiotherapists practising in the health services.
Working Conditions
Standard working week in Singapore is 44 hours and the average working week for a physiotherapist is 40 hours.
May require to work during Saturday every 2 to 4 weeks.
Usually starts from 8:30 am and finishes at 5:30 pm with one hour lunch break.
Leave and Holidays
Annual leave: 21 days
Sick/ hospitalization leave: 14 days up to 60 days
Marriage leave: 3 days
Salary
1 Euro = 1.74 Singapore Dollar
According to the Ministry of Manpower, the monthly median basic wage for a physiotherapist in Singapore in 2013 was S$2933 / €1687.42.
Starting salaries for physiotherapists usually range between €1620 and €1780, depending on your class of honors achieved for your degree.
Work Permits
Once you are registered, you will need a work permit before you can start to work.
You MUST have a confirmed job offer from a Singapore employer in order to qualify for a work permit.
Your future employer then arranges the work permit for you once you have accepted a post.
You must apply for a new pass (and pay an additional fee) if you change employers.
Foreign national allied health professionals are categorized as “skilled foreign manpower” and are eligible for either:
- Employment Pass (EP)
- S-Pass
Employment Pass (EP)
The EP is for high level foreign professionals and executives who:
· Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3000
· Have a recognized degree, professional qualification or specialist skills
Information on the EP can be found here.
S-Pass
The S-Pass is for mid-level skilled foreign workers who:
- Earned a fixed monthly salary of more than S$2000
- Have a recognized degree or diploma level qualification
S-pass applicants are assessed on a points system, taking into account multiple criteria including salary, educational qualifications, skills, job type and work experience.
Information on the S-Pass can be found here
Visas
Visa requirements are outlined on the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website
Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Singapore as a visitor or on a work pass.
Arrangements for other nationals may be different.
Languages
The Singapore government recognises four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese and Tamil.
Although Malay is the national language, English is the common language used for business, government and medium of instruction in schools.
With the majority of the literate population bilingual, English and Mandarin are the most commonly used languages in daily life.
Among the elderly population, Mandarin and other Chinese dialects (Hokkien, Hakka, Cantonese, Teochew etc…) are more frequently spoken than English.
Acupuncture and Dry Needling
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an integral part of Singapore health care, and TCM practitioners have been regulated since 2000.
Acupuncture as a clinical intervention is included within TCM, BUT not within physiotherapy!!!